Irresistible Carrot Cake Bars – Easy & Delicious Recipe

The aroma of freshly baked Carrot Cake Bars wafts through the air, tantalizing your taste buds with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Each bite is a delightful mix of moistness and flavor that dances on your palate, making it impossible to resist reaching for another piece.

I still remember the first time I made these bars; my kitchen turned into a mini bakery, and my friends practically formed a line at the counter. Perfect for celebrations or cozy evenings, these Carrot Cake Bars promise an unforgettable flavor experience that will leave you craving more.

Everyone in my family adored these bars at our last gathering; it was like they were on a quest to see who could eat the most!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component for structure; use unbleached flour for a richer flavor.

• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness; feel free to substitute with brown sugar for added moisture.

• Shredded Carrots: Freshly grated carrots are best; they add moisture and natural sweetness.

• Cinnamon: Stick with ground cinnamon for warmth; it’s essential in carrot cake recipes.

• Nutmeg: A pinch adds depth; too much can overpower, so go easy!

• Baking Powder: This helps your bars rise perfectly; ensure it’s fresh for best results.

• Eggs: Two large eggs bind everything together; they also add richness to the bars.

• Vegetable Oil: Use oil instead of butter for extra moistness; it makes a big difference!

• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor; skip artificial versions whenever possible.

• Walnuts or Pecans (optional): Chopped nuts add crunch; omit if you prefer a nut-free version.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure easy removal later.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. The warm spices will fill your kitchen with an enticing aroma.

Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs with vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring gently until just combined—don’t overmix!

Fold in Carrots and Nuts: Carefully fold in the shredded carrots and chopped nuts if using. The vibrant orange of the carrots should be evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Pour and Bake: Spread the batter into your prepared pan evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Cool and Slice : Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing into squares. As you cut them, you’ll notice how perfectly moist they are!

Enjoying these Carrot Cake Bars is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about sharing joy with loved ones over something homemade. So grab your apron and get ready to bring this delicious treat into your life!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix dry ingredients first, then fold in wet ingredients for even distribution. This sequence ensures your bars rise perfectly and have a delightful crumb.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding nuts or raisins for a crunchy texture. You can also swap out some flour for oats to enhance the flavor. Customizing your carrot cake bars adds personal flair.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover carrot cake bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, but let them come to room temperature before serving.

Making these carrot cake bars reminds me of my childhood when my mom would bake on rainy days. The smell of spices wafted through our home, making it feel like a warm hug.

Print

Carrot Cake Bars

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Carrot Cake Bars are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with the natural sweetness of freshly shredded carrots. These moist, dense bars are perfect for any occasion—be it a family gathering or a cozy evening at home. Easy to prepare, they promise an irresistible flavor experience that will keep you coming back for more. Plus, they can be customized with nuts or raisins for added texture!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Makes about 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs with vegetable oil and vanilla extract; mix into dry ingredients until just combined.
4. Fold in shredded carrots and nuts (if using).
5. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow to cool before slicing into squares.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: - Use fresh carrots for the best taste and moisture. - Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure light and fluffy bars. - Customize with your favorite add-ins like raisins or oats.